Statement shoes are one of the most popular fashion trends right now. You’ll see them on runways and sidewalks all over the world. But while many women are passing on the over-the-top styles and sky-high heels, there’s another statement shoe trend women of all ages are embracing: bright color.
Start with a simple style in the heel height that suits you best. But do it in a color that’s completely unexpected and different from your outfit.
The old school rule is that shoe color should be equal to or darker than your hem. Traditionally, that’s meant dark blue, brown, or black. But these days, it can be lime, plum, fuchsia, pumpkin – or any dark color that makes the ensemble “pop.”
To get ideas, start with the color wheel.
Color Wheel Combinations
The three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow – and they all go together.
Colors in the same color family are monochromatic – and they go together.
Colors opposite each other on the color wheel are complementary – and they go together.
Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel are analogous – and they go together.
Colors next to complementary colors are called split-complementary – and they go together.
See how fun this is? All it takes is a little imagination.
For example:
Primary Colors
Isn’t this eye-catching?
Split Complementary Colors
Bethenny Frankel on “The Ellen Show“
Bethenny Frankel’s orange pants and green shoes remind me of a pumpkin on a vine. It certainly works, but it’s not a combination that readily comes to mind. This is one of those split complementary combinations.
Here’s how she got there: orange is the complement of blue. Blue is analogous to green.
While her top is fine, if she’d really wanted to make this combo pop more, she could have worn an orange top that matched her pants, a green top that matched her shoes, or even a purple top to complete the triatic split complementary.
See how easily you can come up with combinations when you play with the color wheel?
Matching Colors
The platform shoes are a little dated, but matching the shoe color the bouquet color is timeless. Each bridesmaid has an individual color, while the bride’s bouquet mixes every color. It’s fun and memorable.
So what color handbag should you wear?
It depends. Match the handbag to the shoes if you want to tie them together, or to your clothes if you want to draw attention to your shoes. Figure out where you want to put the focus, and choose the colors accordingly.
So…
If you’re short on funds or looking for new ways to wear old things, pull out a color wheel and start experimenting. You may be surprised by how many new, interesting combinations are hanging in your closet.
Do this with flats, booties, heels, platforms – whatever suits your style. You’re sure to draw attention and PLENTY of compliments. Try it for yourself and see.
Need a little more help putting colors together?
Download a copy of How to Use Clothing Color to Influence and Delight right now.
———
Diana Pemberton shows women how to dress so they can get the attention, respect, and income they deserve. Ready to skyrocket your clothing color IQ? Grab a copy of How to Use Clothing Color to Influence and Delight.
